Rotation games played on a pool table

ABSTRACT

Described herein are methods for playing a rotation game on a pool table, and methods for scoring and racking rotation games described herein.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/768,126, filed Feb. 22, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Pool, also more formally known as pocket billiards (mostly in North America), is the family of cue sports and games played on a pool table having six receptacles called pockets along the rails, into which balls are deposited as the main goal of play.

There are hundreds of pool games. Some of the more well-known include eight-ball, nine-ball, ten-ball, straight pool, one-pocket and bank pool. Although many games are known, there has been little growth in terms of expanding the interest in pool games to the general public, and there is a need for games that allow for rapid improvement of players and accessibility to a general viewing audience to increase spectators and popularity.

SUMMARY

Described herein are novel methods for playing rotation games on a pool table, including methods for scoring and racking methods useful for playing the rotation games described herein.

One embodiment is directed to a method of playing a rotation game played on a pool table, wherein a) six, nine ten or fifteen balls are racked, wherein one or more balls are racked in a specified position; b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five non zero point values to be awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and c) the game ends when a player achieves a pre-determined point total. In a particular embodiment, the fifteen balls are racked. In a particular embodiment, at least four balls are racked in a specified position prior to the break. In a particular embodiment, prior to the first shot, fifteen balls are racked into a triangle, with the number fifteen ball in front of the triangle facing the incoming shooter, and the number one ball is racked in the middle of the triangle. In a particular embodiment, the balls numbered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of 2. In a particular embodiment, the game ends when a player attains about 50 points, about 100 points, about 125 points, about 150 points or about 200 or more points. As used herein, the term “about refers to a value that is ±10%. In a particular embodiment, the point total required to end the game is different for each player, dependent upon the skill level of the player. In a particular embodiment, the point value assigned to a specific ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball.

One embodiment is directed to a scoring system for a rotation game played on a pool table, wherein a) the rotation game is played with six, nine, ten or fifteen balls per rack; b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five point values to be awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and c) points are accumulated over one or more racks until a pre-determined point total has been achieved. In a particular embodiment, the balls numbered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of 2. In a particular embodiment, the point value assigned to a specific ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball.

One embodiment is directed to a method of configuring a set of fifteen pool balls, comprising: a) positioning the number fifteen ball at the front of a triangle, wherein the front of the triangle faces the headstring and the center of the fifteen ball is positioned on the foot spot of the table, and wherein the fourteen remaining balls are positioned in rows containing two, three, four and five balls; and b) positioning the remaining thirteen balls in the triangle in either a random configuration or a pre-determined configuration, wherein all of the rows substantially parallel to the foot rail of the table. In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the number thirteen and number fourteen balls behind the number one ball such that the number thirteen and number fourteen balls are contacting the number one ball. In a particular embodiment, the number one ball in the center position of the row comprising three balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE is a schematic representation of a sample score sheet for tracking the score between two players of a rotation game as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are methods for playing one or more games on a pool table, handicapping one or more games on a pool table, business methods for forming and developing leagues to play the one or more games described herein, and promoting and running tournaments for the one or more games described herein.

A pool table, or pocket billiards table, has six pockets—one at each corner of the table (corner pockets) and one at the midpoint of each of the longer sides (side pockets or middle pockets). Pocket billiard tables come in different sizes, typically referred to as 9 ft., 8.5 ft., 8 ft., or 7 ft. tables. In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 9×4.5 ft.).

A typical set of balls to be used on a pool table are numbered from one (1) to fifteen (15), consecutively. Additionally, an essentially solid white ball, referred to as the “cue ball” is also used. For most pool games, a player impels the cue ball, using a “cue stick”, into one or more of the consecutively numbered pool balls. The ball imprinted with the number “1” is referred to as the “one ball,” the ball imprinted with the number “2” is referred to as the “two ball,” and so on.

As used herein, “rotation” or “rotation games” are pool games that are typified by a player's having to contact the lowest numbered ball on the table with the cue ball prior to having the cue ball contact any other ball. If, for example, the full set of fifteen balls is on the table, a player must contact the one ball with the cue ball prior to having the cue ball contact any other ball. In rotation games, typically when a ball is “pocketed” it remains off the table and out of play. If for example, the one ball is pocketed, then the next shot, for a rotation game in the scenario posed above, would involve the player having to contact the two ball with the cue ball prior to contacting any other ball. Although it is necessary to contact the lowest numbered ball on the table prior to contacting another ball, it is not necessary to pocket the balls in consecutive order. The one ball, for example can be used to contact a different ball and the different ball can be pocketed, leaving, for example, the one ball on the table. Play typically continues in this manner until all balls are out of play.

The rotation games described herein can use a rack of 15 balls, or any subset thereof (e.g., a rack consisting of balls 1-6, a rack consisting of balls 1-9, or a rack consisting of balls 1-10).

As used herein, the term “pocketed” or “potted” is used to refer to a pool ball that has fallen into one of the six pockets on a pool table. Typically a player pockets a ball by causing the cue ball to contact a desired ball (the “object ball”), in such a way that the object ball is impelled to a pocket where it falls in.

Described herein are novel rotation games that involve a point system. Unlike other rotation games, there are only a limited number of point values assigned to the pool balls when pocketed, e.g., two, three or five point values. Pool balls numbered from 1 to 10, for example, can be assigned a first value, e.g., 1 point each, and balls numbered from 11 to 15, for example, can be assigned a second value, e.g., 2 points each. Also described herein are games where the balls are assigned 3 point values, 4 point values, 5 point values, etc. The games described herein are typically played until one player reaches a pre-determined point total. A player, for example, can pocket the one ball, the two ball, the three ball and the four ball, for example, for a total of four points. Typically a player will lose his or her turn at the table when the player shoots but fails to pocket a ball or commits a “foul” as determined, for example, by the “Pocket Billiards Rules and Specifications” issued by the Billiard Congress of America (http://home.bca-pool.com) (the “BCA rules”). If the player in the scenario above loses his or her turn at the table, the incoming player would then have to contact the five ball. If the incoming player pockets the five ball and then the six ball prior to losing the turn at the table, for example, then the second player would leave the table after accruing two points. The game would progress until a pre-determined point total has been reached by one of the players, or, for example, all fifteen balls are pocketed. In certain embodiments, the game can be continued into multiple “racks” until a point total is reached (see “EXEMPLIFICATION”).

As used herein, “rack” refers to either the device used to form a particular pattern of pool balls to start a game, or the full rack of balls to start the game. For example, one “rack” can refer to one round of a game, where after all the balls are pocketed, the balls are re-racked and a second rack commences. In certain aspects, a game corresponds to one rack. In other embodiments, a game can continue through two or more racks, for example, until a particular point total is reached. The point total is somewhat arbitrary based on the format and the length of time the players expend to play a full game (e.g., a game can consist of, for example, 50 points, 100 points, 125 points, 150 points, 200 points, 250 points, 500 points, 1,000 points or any number between or greater).

The games described herein can incorporate many of the standard rules of pocket billiards as described, for example, in the BCA rules. In various embodiments, the pool balls can be racked by the incoming player or an opponent, the balls can be spotted or not if a foul is committed, the commencement of the game can be such that a player can place the cue ball anywhere on the pool table after the “break” (see BCA rules), or the player can shoot from where the cue ball settles after the break. The present disclosure is directed to all such and other variants, provided a limited set of point values is assigned to the pool balls when pocketed.

The rotation games described herein can be altered, for example, to include a handicapping system, e.g., a handicapping system based on point values. In one embodiment, the game can be altered such that point values are assigned to the pool balls according to a first point schedule for a first player, to a second point schedule for a second player, and so on. The game can also be modified such that different players are required to attain different point totals to win a game (e.g., better players have to reach a higher point total to win a game, and lesser players have to achieve a lower point total to win a game).

The rotation game(s) described herein can also be handicapped, for example, be requiring a better player to “spot” a lesser player a specified ball or multiple balls. A better player, for example, could spot a lesser player, for example, the fifteen ball, meaning the lesser player automatically gets credit for having pocketed the fifteen ball during a rack. Such a handicap can involve, for example, spotting any one of the balls in the rack, or multiple balls in the rack.

The rotation game(s) described herein can also be handicapped by a better player spotting a lesser player a certain number of otherwise unspecified balls, for example, the last two balls on the table per rack. As the rotation game(s) described herein generally allow for balls to be pocketed out of order, so long as the lowest numbered ball on the table is contacted first, the last two balls on the table, for example, are not determined a priori.

The handicaps described herein can be, for example, adjusted up or down depending on, for example, a particular player's results (either in, for example, a tournament, against another player, or in a league setting (see below)).

Other handicapping systems can be applied to the rotation games described herein.

Disclosed herein are methods for conducting a tournament using a rotation game as described herein. Such a tournament can be held, for example, at a single site over a specified period of time, or the tournament can be held at multiple sites with different “rounds” of the tournament held at specified times and sites. A tournament, for example, can be held such that multiple sites conduct round robin qualifier rounds, wherein each player at the site plays every other player at the site at least once, with the top finisher(s) advancing to the next round of the tournament. The next round of the tournament could be, for example, another round robin format or it can be a single or double elimination bracket. The second and subsequent rounds of the tournament can be, for example, seeded based on a player's finish in the previous round of the tournament. If, for example, a tournament is held wherein the first round comprises eight different sites each hosting eight players in a round robin format, with the top two finishers from each site advancing to the second round, then, for example, the top finishers at each site would receive a higher seed than the second place finishers at each site.

Described herein are methods and systems for running and monitoring one or more leagues for playing a rotation game described herein. Such “league” is an organized competitive playing of a rotation game described herein where members of the league play other members of the league on a regular basis. Typically a league is played at one or more specific time intervals, e.g., once a week on a particular day at a particular time.

The league is typically organized by a league coordinator who can be paid to promote and run the league. Such an organizer can, for example, be paid a percentage of the “league dues” paid by the players.

A national or international league based on a rotation game described herein can promote league play at various sites throughout the United States or throughout the world. The national or international league can be run and promoted by, for example, a single organizer or a national or international league can be promoted by various regional organizers who then communicate with national or international representatives to consolidate league results and other information. Regional organizers can be required, for example, to pay a “franchise fee” for the right to organize and promote a regional version of a national or international league based on a rotation game described herein.

The leagues described herein can be, for example, a “handicapped league” wherein the players in the league achieve certain rankings that, in turn, determine the players “rating.” A player's rating can be used, for example, to determine a handicap as described above, when the player plays another player in the league. If the ratings are sufficiently different, for example, the player with the rating indicating the player is a better player, might have to spot the player with the lesser rating. Such a league, in theory, would tend to give every player in the league an “equal chance” of winning any particular match.

For specific embodiments of such rotation games, see the “EXEMPLIFICATION.”

Also described herein is the formation or running of “leagues” where league participants play one or more of the rotation games described herein in a competitive format. The leagues can be formed wherein teams of players compete against other teams in the league or players can compete individually against other league members.

Also described herein is the running or promotion of tournaments where entrants play one or more of the rotation games described herein.

EXEMPLIFICATION Example 1 American Rotation

American Rotation (“AR”) is an improved combination of traditional pocket billiard games.

AR is played in rotation with balls numbered 1-15, balls 1-10 receive a point value of 1 point each and balls 11-15 receive a point value of 2 points each for a total rack worth 20 points every time. Play continues until one player reaches the predetermined required score to win the match.

With the exception of the very first rack of the match, players will alternate the break and the breaking player will start the rack with ball in hand immediately after the break.

Players lag for the break and the winner of the lag chooses who will break first.

The very first rack of a match is played much like any other rotational game we play.

If the breaking player pockets a ball on a legal break they receive the points for those balls pocketed, they will remain at the table with the option of shooting, playing safe or pushing out. They do not receive ball in hand after the break in this opening rack. Three object balls must pass the head string for a legal break. Balls pocketed do count as a ball past the head string. If three balls fail to pass the head string the player must re-break.

If the opening breaker fails to pocket a ball on a legal break the opponent comes to the table with the option of shooting, playing safe or pushing out from the current position.

A ball pocketed during a push will be rewarded to the player that takes the shot.

Foul on the opening break (pocket scratch or cue ball off the table) will result in all balls pocketed staying down, points being awarded to non-breaking player for those balls pocketed and ball in hand anywhere on the table to the non-breaking player. For this reason players may consider passing up the option to break in the very first rack.

Racking order—15 ball is the head ball, the 2 and 3 balls are racked behind the 15. The 1 ball is in the middle of the rack with the 13 & 14 balls behind the 1 ball with the rest of the balls placed in any order. Rack your own.

When breaking, players can hit any ball in the rack for it to be considered a legal break.

The game or rack does not begin until the cue ball strikes a ball in the rack. Miscues or accidental taps of the cue ball across the line are not fouls and do not start the game. Once the cue ball contacts a ball in the rack the game is considered to have been started.

Note; the only time a ball will be spotted in AR is if an object ball goes off the table on a break shot. This will not be considered a foul and the object ball will be spotted on or directly in line behind the foot spot and play will continue as normal.

During the normal course of play if an object ball is knocked off the table it will be considered a foul, the ball will not be spotted, the incoming player will receive the points, the ball will stay down and ball in hand will be rewarded to the incoming player.

The player that pockets the last ball (not necessarily the 15 ball) on the table of the first rack will start the rotation of alternate breaks with the breaker receiving ball in hand for the very first shot after the break, whether they make a ball or not. If the breaker fouls on their turn of the break the opponent will receive points for all balls pocketed but the breaker will still remain at the table starting the rack with ball in hand.

AR is a call shot (ball & pocket) and call safe game with standard rotation pool rules applying.

Call shot, call safe rules give the opponent the right to make a player shoot again if they miss a called shot or they pocket a ball on a called safety.

If a ball has been pocketed on the unintended call the player that shoots the next shot (determined by incoming player) will receive the points for any balls that were pocketed on unintended shot.

Example; Player “A” misses the called 5 ball but accidentally sinks the 7 ball. Player “B” has the option to take the shot from the current location and the point for the 7 ball or make player “A” shoot again with player “A” receiving the point for the 7 ball. The same goes for a safety situation. Player “A” calls safety but accidentally pockets a ball, player “B” has the option to take the shot from the current location and the points or pass the shot and the points back to player “A”.

Anytime a player misses a called shot the opponent will have the option to make them shoot again or take the shot from the current location.

A player cannot make the player shoot again if the shooting player has called safe, executed a legal shot and did not pocket a ball.

Fouls

A detailed listing of typical fouls appears in the BCA rulebook. For example, a foul shall include the following: not hitting the lowest numbered ball on the table first; causing the cue ball or any object ball to leave the table (other than on a break shot for object balls); moving one or more object balls accidentally during the course of a stroke (if even one ball moves during the course of a stroke it will be considered a foul). It is not a foul, for example, to accidentally move just one ball prior to a shot. It does become a foul if you move it back without asking your opponent to leave it there or replace it.

If a player moves two or more balls accidentally prior to a shot, the player's opponent will have the right to move them back to as close to their original positions as possible and receive ball in hand.

If a player has ball in hand and accidentally touches any object ball at any time it is a foul.

Anytime a player fouls the opponent will receive points for any balls pocketed during that shot and will receive ball in hand (with the exception of the alternating break process see above breaking rules).

The three consecutive fouls rule is in effect but it is not loss of game or rack (see BCA rules). If a player has committed three consecutive fouls the non-offending player will receive a “free shot” and ball in hand immediately after the free shot. This means the non-offending player comes to the table with ball in hand and may shoot into any ball they like (points count for balls pocketed) and take cue ball in hand immediately after this free shot.

A player must let an opponent know they are “on” two fouls any time prior to their next shot (see BCA rules).

The Figure shows a useful score sheet for tracking points during a game of AR.

Example 2

American Rotation is a fifteen-ball rotation game except with novel scoring and rules of play. In American Rotation hitting the lowest number ball is required except in special situations, detailed herein.

American Rotation is a “points” game with no designated “game ball.” In American Rotation, balls numbered one through ten each have a designated point count of one and balls numbered eleven through fifteen each have a designated point count of two. The rules of play are described generally as “call pocket/call safe,” meaning the shooting player has to designate a ball and a pocket for which the ball is to be pocketed, or the shooting player has to designate a “safety” such that a ball is not pocketed.

Where applicable and not contradicted or supplemented by these OFFICIAL RULES of AMERICAN ROTATION, the BCA rules apply.

1. Object of the game

The object of American Rotation is to reach a designated point total before the opponent. Multiple racks are generally required. Any agreed number of points constitutes “a game”.

2. Every rack contains 20 points

Except when the game ends in mid-rack a total of exactly twenty points is awarded between opponents in each rack (One point each for balls 1-10 and two points each for balls 11-15).

3. Call pocket/call safe

3.1 Must call ball and pocket or call a safety.

Except for “break shots” and “free shots after three fouls,” the shooter must call a ball and pocket or else call a safety. Special case: On the first shot after the initial break only, a “push out” is allowed and must be called and acknowledged prior to shooting.

3.2 Calling safety

An intended safety must be actually called, or else the opponent has the option of passing the next shot back. A safety call must be clearly indicated. Safety is never considered obvious. BCA rule 1-17 applies to calling safety in American Rotation.

3.3 Bank, kick, kiss, carom or combination

When a ball is actually called (ball and pocket) it is not necessary to specify details such as banks, kicks, kisses, caroms or combinations, and calling those details is not required as they are irrelevant.

3.4 Obvious shots

All shots that involve banks, kicks, kisses, caroms or combinations are hereby defined as “not obvious”. If a pocketed ball was not actually called and the shot involves (includes) a bank, kick, kiss, carom or combination (intentional or not) then the shot is hereby ruled a non-called ball and rule 4.2 or 4.4 below shall apply. If a ball is pocketed directly into a pocket and the shot does not include a bank, kick, kiss, carom or combination then it is hereby defined as a called ball (an “obvious shot”).

-   -   3.4.1 Incidental contact with rail near the pocket

When the called or obvious ball touches either rail adjacent to the designated pocket but does not touch other rails on the table then the shot is not considered a “bank” and touching either of those adjacent rails does not negate an “obvious” shot.

3.5 Good hit required

A called ball does not have to be the lowest numbered ball. However, a “good hit” is required. See 5 below.

3.6 Points

If no foul occurs and a called ball is pocketed as designated, the shooter gets credit for all balls pocketed on that shot and, if any object balls remain on the table, continues shooting.

3.7 Missed shot

If no foul occurs and a called ball is not pocketed as designated then, if any object balls remain on the table, the opponent (the player that did not shoot) has the option of passing the next shot back to the original shooter.

4. Non-called balls

4.1 On a foul

All object balls pocketed or off the table on a foul remain down and are credited to the opponent (the player who did not foul).

4.2 Final object ball of a rack

If the last object ball of the rack is pocketed improperly or caused to go off the table then all balls pocketed or driven off the table, on that final shot of the rack, remain down and are credited to the opponent (the player who did not take the final shot). No additional penalty is imposed. The next rack begins as usual with the break sequence unchanged.

4.3 Safety with object balls remaining

All object balls pocketed on a called safety remain down. If no foul occurred on the called safety and an object ball was pocketed and if any object ball remains on the table the opponent (the player who did not shoot the safety) has the option of passing the next shot and all balls pocketed on the safety are credited to whichever player actually takes the subsequent shot.

4.4 Missed called ball with object balls remaining

All object balls pocketed improperly, on a missed called ball, remain pocketed and are not re-spotted. If no foul occurred on the missed shot and an object ball was pocketed improperly and if any object ball remains on the table the opponent (the player who did not shoot the missed shot) has the option of passing the next shot and the balls pocketed on the missed shot are credited to whichever player actually takes the subsequent shot.

4.5 Extra balls

If no foul occurs and a called ball is legally pocketed, then any extra object balls pocketed on that shot remain pocketed and are credited to the shooter of that shot.

4.6 Breaks

If no foul occurred then all object balls pocketed on any break remain down and are credited to the breaker. See additional rules concerning breaks, rule 7 below.

4.7 Push outs

If object balls are pocketed on a push out they remain pocketed. The opponent (the player who did not shoot the push out) has the option of passing the next shot back to the shooter who pushed out, and the balls pocketed on the push out are credited to whichever player actually takes the next shot.

4.8 Free shot

If no foul occurred then all object balls pocketed on the “free shot after three fouls” remain down and are credited to the shooter taking the free shot. Note: On the free shot after three fouls some normal fouls are redefined as “not fouls”. See details in rule 10 below.

5. Good hits

5.1 Lowest numbered ball

Except for “break shots”, “push outs” and “free shot after three fouls,” the lowest numbered ball on the table must be the first object ball contacted by the cue ball, otherwise it is deemed a foul.

5.2 Break

On any break, any hit on any object in the rack is a “good hit.”

5.3 Push out

On an allowed, called “push out,” the cue ball may contact any object ball or none at all. BCA rule 3-4 applies as written, except subsection 2. Subsection 2 of that rule is hereby modified to the following: If any object ball is pocketed on a push out, it is hereby defined as a non-called ball and the shot then is governed by rule 4.7 above.

5.4 Three foul penalty shot

On the “free shot” immediately after three consecutive fouls, contacting the lowest numbered ball first is not required. Any hit is a “good hit.”

6. Rack

6.1 Rack your own

The breaker always racks his or her own rack of balls. BCA rule 1-14 Racking Procedures apply.

6.2 All racks have the same requirements:

-   -   6.2.1 Fifteen object balls, numbered one through fifteen, are         used.     -   6.2.2 The fifteen-ball is placed at the head of the rack on the         foot spot.     -   6.2.3 The two-ball and three-ball are placed on either side         behind and adjacent to the fifteen-ball.     -   6.2.4 The one-ball is centered behind and adjacent to the two         and three.     -   6.2.5 The thirteen-ball and fourteen-ball are placed on either         side adjacent to and behind the one.     -   6.2.6 All other balls are placed anywhere in the remaining nine         positions. For these nine balls pattern racking is allowed.

6.3 Magic rack

If both players agree, the use of a Magic Rack is allowed. It must be available to both players. Either player, individually, may choose not to use the Magic Rack.

7. Break

7.1 First rack

Players lag or flip a coin for the opening break only. A lag is required if either player insists. The winner of the lag or coin flip has the option of breaking the first rack (opening break) or requiring the opponent to take the opening break.

7.2 Second rack

The breaker for the second rack is whichever player receives credit for the final ball pocketed in the first rack. Note: The final ball pocketed is not always the fifteen and the shooter does not always receive credit for the final ball. The breaker of the second rack is determined by who receives the point credit for the final ball of the first rack, not necessarily the shooter of the final ball of the first rack.

7.3 Subsequent racks

The player that did not break in the second rack breaks the third rack and the breaks alternate thereafter.

7.4 All breaks are from the kitchen (behind the head string)

7.5 On any break, any object ball is a “good hit”

7.6 No soft break on the opening break

This rule applies only on the opening break. On the opening break, at least three object balls must cross the head string or be pocketed. Otherwise, the opponent (non-breaker) has the option of requiring the same breaker to re-rack and re-break from the kitchen. The breaker may be required to break as many times as is necessary to achieve a legal break. If the non-breaker does not exercise the option for a re-break then the break is hereby ruled “a legal break.”

7.7 Failure to hit the rack

On any break, a failure to hit the rack does not constitute a shot and the same player is allowed another chance to execute the break from the kitchen.

7.8 Object ball(s) off the table

On any break, it is not a foul to cause objects balls to go “off the table.” “Off the table” herein means off the playing surface of the table but not pocketed. Those balls are spotted on the long string in ascending order with the lowest numbered ball on the spot or nearest the spot. After the balls are spotted, play continues as if the balls had not gone off the table. This is the only instance in American Rotation where balls are spotted. See BCA rule 1-46 Spotting Balls. Any ball off the table on any shot besides the break is a foul.

7.9 Cue ball off the table or in the pocket on the opening break

This rule applies to the opening break. If the cue ball goes off the table or into a pocket all object balls pocketed remain down and are credited to the opponent (non-breaker) and the non-breaker takes cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. In this case a push out is not an option.

7.10 Cue ball off the table or in the pocket on subsequent breaks

This rule applies to subsequent breaks (not the opening break). If the cue ball goes off the table or into a pocket, all object balls pocketed remain down and are credited to the opponent (non-breaker). In this case the breaker must take the next shot after the break with cue ball in hand anywhere on the table and, except for crediting the non-breaker for object balls pocketed, play continues as if no foul occurred.

8. First shot after the break

8.1 Opening rack

-   -   8.1.1 When at least one object ball is pocketed on the opening         break and no foul occurs, all object balls pocketed remain down         and are credited to the breaker. The breaker must take the next         shot with no ball in hand and has the option of calling safe,         calling a ball and pocket or calling a push out. In an alternate         embodiment of the game, the first break can be played like all         other racks, with the breaker receiving ball in hand after the         break.     -   8.1.2 When no object ball is pocketed on the opening break and         no foul occurs, the opponent (non-breaker) must take the next         shot with no ball in hand and has the option of calling safe,         calling a ball and pocket or calling a push out.     -   8.1.3 When a foul occurs on the opening break, all object balls         pocketed remain down. The non-breaking player is credited with         all object balls pocketed on that break and must take the next         shot with ball in hand anywhere on the table and has the option         of calling safe or calling a ball and pocket, but is not allowed         to call a push out.

8.2 Subsequent racks

On the first shot after any subsequent break (not the opening break), all object balls pocketed on the break remain pocketed. The breaker must take the next shot with cue ball in hand anywhere on the table and has the option of calling safe or calling a ball and pocket, but is not allowed to call a push out.

-   -   8.2.1 If no foul occurred on the break then the breaker is         credited with all object balls pocketed on that break.     -   8.2.2 If a foul did occur on the break the non-breaker is         credited with all object balls pocketed on that break.         9. Fouls and penalties

9.1 Calling fouls

Fouls must be called before the next stroke, otherwise the foul is hereby ruled not to have occurred (BCA rule 1-23).

9.2 Honor and integrity

-   -   9.2.1 Players are obligated to call fouls on themselves even if         the referee or the opponent (player who was not shooting) fails         to see the foul or fails to call it. In American Rotation it is         not acceptable to “get away” with a foul just because the         opponent or referee did not see it or call it.     -   9.2.2 When a referee (a designated third person), when present,         calls a foul, and the opponent (player who was not shooting)         believes that a foul did not occur then the player who was not         shooting may “override” the referee and call “no foul”. Because         the referee's ruling is subject to this “override” the referee         is prohibited from touching the balls after calling a foul.

9.3 Intentionally disturbing or interfering with the roll of a ball

Intentionally disturbing a stationary ball improperly or interfering with the roll of a ball is a sportsmanship foul. The penalty is concession of the remainder of the rack. The point count of all object balls that remained on the table at the time of this foul (all balls that had not been legally pocketed prior to this sportsmanship foul) is credited to the opponent (the player who did not foul). If the game ending point count has not been reached then the balls are racked and the next rack begins as usual with the break sequence unchanged.

9.4 Accidentally disturbing or interfering with the roll of a ball

-   -   9.4.1 Ball in hand. It is a ball in hand foul to touch or         disturb any object ball while in the act of placing ball in hand         (BCA rule 1-38).     -   9.4.2 Accidentally touched but not disturbed. If a stationary         ball is touch by hair or clothing, etc. but not disturbed, then         it is hereby declared “not a foul”.     -   9.4.3 During the act of shooting. It is a ball in hand foul to         improperly disturb any stationary ball (including object balls)         or interfere with the roll of any ball during the “act of         shooting.” Note: In this case the position of the balls is not         restored. The incoming player (the player who did not foul) must         accept the lay of the balls (as is) and takes cue-ball in hand         anywhere on the table. The “act of shooting” is defined as:         -   a. The final stroke of the cue stick that actually strikes             the cue ball and the follow through of that stroke.         -   b. For the purpose of this rule, the “act of shooting”             continues until all balls have stopped moving.         -   c. For the purpose of this rule, “warm up” strokes are not             included in the “act of shooting.”     -   9.4.4 Not during the act of shooting. Except as noted above in         this section 9, American Rotation is played by the “Cue Ball         Fouls Only” rules (BCA rule 1-33).

9.5 The following are normal ball in hand fouls in american rotation:

-   -   9.5.1 Failure to execute a legal shot (BCA rule 1-19 and also         BCAPL Applied Rulings, herein incorporated by reference in its         entirety, Section 10). Some parts of the BCA rules do not apply         to break shots and push outs, see those sections of these rules.     -   9.5.2 Failure to make a “good hit” (Rule 5 above).     -   9.5.3 Failure to drive a ball to the rail after contact or         pocket an object ball (BCA rule 1-19 and also BCAPL Applied         Rulings, Section 10).     -   9.5.4 Shooting with both feet off the floor (BCA rule 1-25).     -   9.5.5 Shooting while any ball is in motion (BCA rule 1-26).     -   9.5.6 Pocketing the cue ball. For break shot exceptions see         rules 7.9 and 7.10 above.     -   9.5.7 Any ball jumped off the table. For break shot exceptions         see 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 above.     -   9.5.8 Shooting a push shot (BCA rule 1-29 and also BCAPL Applied         Rulings, Section 10). Note: A “push shot” is not the same as a         push out. Push outs are legal and push shots are not.     -   9.5.9 Double hitting the cue ball. BCA rule 1-30-1 applies as         written. BCA rule 1-30-2 is hereby modified to the following: It         is a foul if a shooter's cue tip is still in contact with the         cue ball when the cue ball strikes an object ball. However, such         a stroke is hereby ruled legal if no other foul occurs and the         shot meets both of the following requirements:         -   a. The alignment of the cue stick, during the final stroke,             must be outside the edge (perimeter) of the object ball (the             object ball that is to be struck). “Outside the edge” means:             the cue stick would not have touched the object ball if the             cue ball had not been there and the stroke of the cue stick             had a normal, level follow through.         -   b. And, the cue ball travels along a path on or behind the             natural tangent line path immediately after contacting the             object ball.     -   9.5.10 Deliberately digging (chipping) under the cue ball to         make it jump (BCA rule 1-34).     -   9.5.11 Marking the table (BCA rule 1-39).     -   9.5.12 The use of a jump cue. However, the opponent must first         notify the shooter that only a full length playing cue, used         throughout the game, is allowed for any non-break shots,         including jump shots. If the shooter, after being notified once         in the match, uses a specialized jump cue or his break cue or a         partial cue it is a ball in hand foul. Specialized jump cues and         break cues used for jumping are not allowed in American         Rotation. Breaking down (shortening) a full length cue for         jumping is not allowed. Any jump shot must be by the use of the         player's playing cue that is used throughout the game.         10. Three consecutive fouls

10.1 Definition

Three consecutive fouls is hereby defined as when one of the competitors (players) has three consecutive turns (visits to the table) without executing a legal shot (a shot that does not include a foul).

10.2 Free shot

When a player commits the third of three consecutive fouls the opponent (the player who did not commit the three fouls) receives two consecutive shots with cue ball in hand:

-   -   10.2.1 The first shot with cue ball in hand is a single “Free         Shot” with cue ball in hand. The free shot consists of placing         the cue ball anywhere on the table and hitting any ball. On this         free shot, any object ball is a good hit and, if no foul occurs         (see 10.2.2 below), any object ball pocketed counts for the         player taking the free shot. Calling the shot (object ball to be         pocketed) is not required, see rule 4.8 above. Pocketing a ball         is not required.     -   10.2.2 On this “free shot” if the cue ball is pocketed it does         not count as a foul. The shooter receives credit for object         balls pocketed and still receives the second cue ball in hand.         Other fouls remain as fouls.     -   10.2.3 On the free shot, any foul (except as noted in 10.2.2         above) ends the turn and converts the situation into a normal         foul situation and the fouling player is now on one consecutive         foul and any ball pocketed is credited to the opponent (the         player who did not shoot the free shot).     -   10.2.4 If no foul occurs on that single free shot then that same         player takes ball in hand again on the next shot (the same as         after other fouls), call a ball and pocket or call safe and make         a good hit on the lowest object ball remaining on the table.         Play continues as normal from this point.

10.3 Notification of two fouls

A player must be notified that he or she has committed a second consecutive foul. The notification may come at any time prior the next turn at the table for the offending player (the player who is on two fouls). Otherwise a foul on the subsequent shot does not count as the third foul and the count remains on two for that player.

10.4 Reset to zero

-   -   10.4.1 A third consecutive foul charged to either player resets         the consecutive foul count to zero for both players.     -   10.4.2 Any new rack resets the consecutive foul count to zero         for both players.

10.5 A foul on the opening break counts toward three consecutive fouls

10.6 A foul on any subsequent break (breaks that are not the opening break) does not count toward three consecutive fouls.

Other Embodiments

Other embodiments will be evident to those of skill in the art. It should be understood that the foregoing detailed description is provided for clarity only and is merely exemplary. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the above examples, but are encompassed by the following claims and their equivalents. The contents of all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a rotation game played on a pool table, wherein a) six, nine ten or fifteen balls are racked, wherein one or more balls are racked in a specified position; b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five non-zero point values to be awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and c) the game ends when a player achieves a pre-determined point total.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fifteen balls are racked.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least four balls are racked in a specified position prior to the break.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the first shot, fifteen balls are racked into a triangle, with the number fifteen ball in front of the triangle facing the incoming shooter, and the number one ball is racked in the middle of the triangle.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the balls numbered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of
 2. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the game ends when a player attains 100 points, 125 points, 150 points or 200 or more points.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the point total required to end the game is different for each player, dependent upon the skill level of the player.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the point value assigned to a specific ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball.
 9. A scoring system for a rotation game played on a pool table, wherein a) the rotation game is played with six, nine, ten or fifteen balls per rack; b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five point values to be awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and c) points are accumulated over one or more racks until a pre-determined point total has been achieved.
 10. The scoring system of claim 9, wherein the balls numbered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of
 2. 11. The scoring system of claim 9, wherein the point value assigned to a specific ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball.
 12. A method of configuring a set of fifteen pool balls, comprising: a) positioning the number fifteen ball at the front of a triangle, wherein the front of the triangle faces the headstring and the center of the fifteen ball is positioned on the foot spot of the table, and wherein the fourteen remaining balls are positioned in rows containing two, three, four and five balls; and b) positioning the remaining thirteen balls in the triangle in either a random configuration or a pre-determined configuration, wherein all of the rows substantially parallel to the foot rail of the table.
 13. The scoring system of claim 10, further comprising positioning the number thirteen and number fourteen balls behind the number one ball such that the number thirteen and number fourteen balls are contacting the number one ball.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the number one ball in the center position of the row comprising three balls. 